1. TALK WITH AN ATTORNEY
if the situation is complicated or if you are confused about what you are doing.
2. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
before you fill out your forms.
3. SIGN YOUR NAME ON THE DOCUMENTS IN FRONT OF A NOTARY PUBLIC.
The Notary Public must see you sign your documents and check your identification while you are signing.
4. ARE YOU IN THE CORRECT COUNTY?
The Court cannot hear your petition if DeKalb County is not the correct county where it should be filed. You must file your petition in the correct County.
5. FOR ASSISTANCE WITH E-FILING YOUR PETITION
You can speak with:
Clerk of Superior Court
Civil Filing
DeKalb County Courthouse, Room G-210
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 371-2836
http://www.dksuperiorclerk.com/
6. DO YOU NEED TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF YOUR ACTION?
You can mail your notice with the appropriate fee to:
Champion Newspaper
Legal Advertising
P.O. Box 361500
Decatur, Georgia 30036-1500
(404) 373-7779 Ext. 101
7. ARE YOU USING THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS?
You can mail your filed copy of your petition with the appropriate fee to:
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Dept.
Civil Process Unit, Room G-6
DeKalb County Courthouse, Gr. Floor
556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 371-2570
Helpful Tips
READ
all instructions carefully. If necessary, read them again to make certain you understand them.
RESEARCH
the law that pertains to your petition (divorce, Legitimation, name change).
SPEAK
with an attorney if you are uncertain about what you are doing.
FILL-IN
only those things that apply to your situation.
KEEP
copies of everything you file for your records.
CHECK
your petition for accuracy.
FILE
your petition in the clerk’s office.
REMEMBER
to serve the defendant/respondent.
REMAIN
in contact with the staff of the judge’s office where your case is assigned.
GET
the judge’s signature on orders and file them in the clerk’s office.
BE
patient while using the legal system.